Understanding Memory Gaps
- BORDEAUX, France — Forgetting your keys, a name, or an appointment doesn't necessarily signal cognitive decline, according to Professor Hélène Amieva, a psychogerontologist, epidemiologist, and researcher at the...
- “Forgetting is part of the normal functioning of the brain as we are not computers capable of infinite information; we must make room,” Amieva said, citing validated scientific...
- Amieva addresses common concerns about memory loss with age, clarifying that aging doesn't automatically equate to memory decline.
Understanding Memory: Insights from Professor Hélène Amieva
BORDEAUX, France — Forgetting your keys, a name, or an appointment doesn’t necessarily signal cognitive decline, according to Professor Hélène Amieva, a psychogerontologist, epidemiologist, and researcher at the University of Bordeaux. Amieva, an expert with The B2V Observatory of Memoirs, a unique laboratory studying brain function, emphasizes that forgetting is a normal part of how the brain works.
“Forgetting is part of the normal functioning of the brain as we are not computers capable of infinite information; we must make room,” Amieva said, citing validated scientific studies. The B2V Observatory of Memoirs aims to deepen the understanding of individual, collective, ancient, and digital memories.
Memory and Aging
Amieva addresses common concerns about memory loss with age, clarifying that aging doesn’t automatically equate to memory decline. Rather, memory evolves and adapts throughout life. She notes that research indicates memory actually gains in richness as we age.
“We can memorize both in old age and when we are young; we encode as much, we store the same, and then we are going to look for information more targeted,” Amieva explained. The brain matures around age 25, after which progressive changes occur. However, the capacity to learn and record new information remains intact. These changes reflect evolving needs,shifting from primarily learning to sorting through accumulated information to quickly find specific details.
Oblivion is a normal,even essential mechanism which is an integral part of the functioning of the memory.
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When to Be Concerned About Forgetting
Amieva stresses that forgetting is a necessary function, not a dysfunction. It allows the brain to prioritize essential information.
She distinguishes between temporary or episodic forgetting, where information is temporarily inaccessible but retrievable, and a more concerning type where information seems completely erased. While occasional instances of the latter are not alarming,frequent occurrences could indicate a neurocognitive disorder.
Tips for Reactivating Memory
To avoid misplacing items, amieva advises against multitasking when putting them down. Instead, focus on encoding the information by enriching the moment.For example, when parking in a large lot, note a nearby landmark.
Humor is an excellent means of cognitive stimulation as it forces mental abstraction, right -in -side.
The myth of Memory as a Muscle
Amieva dispels the notion that memory is a muscle that can be strengthened through exercises like Sudoku, unless the activity is genuinely enjoyable. Forced exercises can create stress and be counterproductive. She emphasizes that social interaction is the most effective way to stimulate the brain, mobilizing more cognitive functions than individual games.
The Benefits of Social Interaction
Social interaction, particularly humor, provides excellent cognitive stimulation by promoting mental abstraction and improving mood.Humor can positively influence stress hormones and optimize memory, especially during aging. Organizing and planning events also contribute to social interaction and cognitive health.
Semantic and Procedural Memory
The B2V Observatory highlights that semantic memory, or knowledge, doesn’t decline with age but rather expands.vocabulary and cultural understanding increase, providing more tools for reasoning. Similarly, procedural memory, related to gestures and skills, remains intact and strengthens with experiance.
(1) The B2V Observatory of memoirs is backed by the B2V non-profit joint group, which manages additional retirement for employees in the insurance sector.
Understanding Your memory: A Q&A with Professor Hélène Amieva
Introduction
Memory is a interesting and complex aspect of human life,and Professor Hélène Amieva,a leading psychogerontologist and researcher at the University of Bordeaux,offers valuable insights into how our brains function. Drawing on her expertise with The B2V Observatory of Memoirs,this Q&A explores common questions about memory,aging,and how to keep your mind sharp.
Q: I’m constantly forgetting things! Is this a sign of cognitive decline?
A: According to Professor Amieva,forgetting isn’t necessarily a sign of cognitive decline.In fact, it’s a normal and essential function of the brain! The brain isn’t designed to store infinite information like a computer. Forgetting helps us prioritize what’s critically important by making room for new memories. it’s a delicate balance.
Q: So, forgetting is good? How does it work?
A: Exactly! Think of your brain as a filing system. Forgetting helps you discard irrelevant or outdated information, allowing you to focus on what you need to know right now. Professor Amieva emphasizes that this process is integral to how our memory functions.
Q: What’s the difference between normal forgetting and a more serious concern?
A: There are two main types of forgetting. As Professor Amieva explains, there’s temporary or episodic forgetting – like misplacing your keys or blanking on a name for a moment, then remembering it later. This is usually nothing to worry about. Though, if you’re experiencing frequent instances where information seems wholly erased and isn’t retrievable, this could potentially indicate a neurocognitive disorder, and it’s an excellent idea to seek professional advice.
Q: Does memory decline automatically happen as we age?
A: A common misconception! Professor Amieva clarifies that aging doesn’t automatically equal memory decline. while the brain does undergo changes throughout life,memory actually evolves and can become richer with age. The emphasis shifts from learning lots of new information to efficiently sorting through accumulated knowledge to find specific details. The capacity to learn and record new information still remains.
Q: what can I do to improve my memory? (Besides not worrying about normal forgetting!)
A: Professor Amieva offers practical tips. When you’re putting something down:
Avoid Multitasking: Focus on the act of placing the item.
Enrich the Moment: Make a mental note of where you are placing the item.For instance, when parking in a large lot, note a nearby landmark (a red car, a specific building).
Q: I’ve heard you can “train” your memory like a muscle. Is that true?
A: professor Amieva disagrees. She dispels the myth of memory as a muscle.Exercises like sudoku might help, but only if you find them genuinely enjoyable. Forcing yourself through exercises can create stress, which is counterproductive.
Q: What is the most effective way to keep the brain in good shape?
A: Professor Amieva emphasizes that social interaction is the key to stimulating the brain. Social interaction mobilizes more cognitive functions than individual games.
Q: How does social interaction and mood affect memory?
A: Social interaction,notably incorporating humor,provides excellent cognitive stimulation. Humor promotes mental abstraction, improves mood, and can influence stress hormones, which is beneficial for memory, especially during aging.Planning and organizing events also contribute to social interaction and cognitive health.
Q: I’ve seen the term “semantic memory.” What is that, and how does it change?
A: This is a crucial point. The B2V Observatory highlights that semantic memory – your knowledge of facts, concepts, and the world – doesn’t decline with age. In fact, it expands! Your vocabulary and cultural understanding actually increase, providing more tools for reasoning and improved recall.
Q: And what about “procedural memory”?
A: Procedural memory, which relates to your skills and habits (like riding a bike), remains intact and strengthens with experience.You keep getting better at such skills through practice.
Conclusion:
Professor amieva’s insights offer a reassuring perspective on memory. By understanding how memory naturally functions, adopting practical strategies, and prioritizing social interaction, you can support your cognitive health throughout life. Remember, forgetting is a normal part of being human, and a sharp mind is a benefit.